Photo: BSS

By Md Aynal Haque

RAJSHAHI, March 22, 2026 (BSS)- The historic Eid fair in Bagha has been lively since the very first day of the festival.

This year, the fair has been leased for two weeks at a cost of Taka 12.70 lakh. The tradition of organizing this fair dates back 500 years. It began on Saturday, the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

The fair is being held across several grounds, including Shahdoula College playground, Model High School field, Eidgah field and the shrine ground. Thousands of men and women from different parts of the country are flocking to the fair to enjoy the festivities.

From the day of Eid, a huge crowd has been pouring into the fairgrounds. After offering Eid prayers, thousands of people from various areas started arriving at the fair premises.

Traders have set up their stalls, offering a wide range of goods. Major attractions of the fair include circus shows, traditional jatra performances, ferris wheels, motorcycle stunts and car rides.

Although the fair is associated with the Muslim community, people from all religions and backgrounds attend the events.

Visitors can find various items such as sweets, children's toys, fancy goods, iron products, wooden furniture like hangers, chairs, tables, beds, dressing tables, showcases, clay pots, cosmetics, bakery items, shell necklaces, wooden crafts, balloons, and flutes.

There are also photo stalls, food hotels, betel leaf (paan) from Sadarghat, and tea stalls.

According to the organizers, the fair is centered on the Urs (death anniversary) of a revered figure, Abbas Ali, and his descendants--Hazrat Shah Moazzem, also known as Shahdoula (RA), and his son Hazrat A. Hamid Danishmand (RA).

The fair begins on Eid day across the vast area of the Bagha Waqf Estate. The Urs Mubarak is observed on the third day of Eid-ul-Fitr, and tabarruk (blessed food) is distributed after the Zuhr prayers.

Bagha, located about 49 kilometers southeast of Rajshahi city, is a spiritual center associated with Hazrat Shahdoula (RA) and his son.

 The shrine of Shah Daula (RA) is situated to the left of the northern gate inside the historic Bagha Shahi Mosque.

Around 500 years ago, Shahdoula (RA) came from Baghdad with five companions to preach Islam and settled in Bagha near the Padma River.

Through his character, kindness, behavior, and spiritual influence, he attracted people of the region towards Islam.

People in the area embraced Islam under his spiritual influence, and the Eid fair has been held in his memory for the past 500 years.

Assistant Custodian of the Bagha Museum, Dabir Hossain, said that Bagha, about 50 kilometers southeast of Rajshahi city, is a place of spiritual significance linked to Hazrat Shahdoula (RA) and his son.

The shrine is located on the left side of the northern entrance gate inside the Bagha Shahi Mosque.

Shammi Akter, vice president of the fair committee and Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) of Bagha, said the fair has been organized in a well-managed and peaceful environment.

Police forces are on alert to prevent any untoward incidents.

It is noteworthy that 76 local traders participated in the lease bidding process for the 500-year-old fair, with a security deposit of Taka 10 lakh. Among them, the highest bidder, Shafiur Rahman Shafi, member secretary of the Bagha Upazila Jubo Dal, secured the lease for two weeks at Taka 12.70 lakh under 15 conditions.